I was pleased to be invited to visit the Birmingham Crisis Centre which has operated since 1988 to provide a refuge for female victims of domestic abuse.
I was able to get a real insight in to the extensive support that is provided to these women in a wide range of areas, including practical advice in relation to legal, financial and accommodation issues, as well as counselling and therapy to deal with the trauma that the victims have suffered. It was also encouraging to see the high quality of provision made available to the children of the victims which ranges from nursery sessions through to transition in to mainstream schooling, as well as opportunities to enjoy external trips.